Great job Valerie Denney!

Meet the September Classified Employee of the Month

Oct 11, 2011By George Mauzy

Compass features a Q&A with the non-bargaining Classified Employee of the Month. Each month, Classified Senate selects an employee to acknowledge and recognize as someone who is setting high standards for excellence and innovation. The monthly feature,
titled "Great Job," will provide a glimpse into the honoree's life on and off campus.

How surprised were you to win the Employee of the Month award?

I was extremely surprised. They (Classified Senate representatives) caught me completely off guard and with such a special group of people.

What is your job title and how long have you worked at the University?

I am an administrative coordinator for Culinary Services. I have been with this department since 2001. Before that, I worked in the College of Education. I have worked at Ohio University since 1999.

What is the most enjoyable thing about your job?

There is never a dull moment in Culinary Services. The entire team including administrators, classified non-bargaining and bargaining employees and student workers, work cohesively together.

What is your hometown and where do you live now?

My hometown is Wellston, Ohio, and I have lived there most of my life.

What are your long-term goals in life?

My long-term goals are to own a private business with my family and continue in music.

What was the last good book you read?

"Heaven is Real" is the last good book I read.

If you weren't in your present job, you would be working as a ______. Why?

I don't really know. I am blessed with the job I have right now, so I have not thought of what else I might do.

What things in life are most important to you?

Jesus Christ, my family and my job – in that order.

Where is your favorite vacation destination?

I've not traveled extensively, so as of right now, the mountains of West Virginia are my favorite place to visit in the fall and the ocean is the place in the spring.

What are your hobbies?

I love music. It doesn't matter if I'm playing, singing, or just listening to it.

What is something that most people don't know about you?

I have three awesome grandchildren.

What are your favorite TV shows?

I don't really have a favorite, but I enjoyed watching "The Voice".

What is your favorite type of music?

I like all types of positive music as long as I can understand the words.

What is the next big event you can't wait for and why?

The second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

What is your favorite saying or quote?

"It's all up from here!" I like this saying because it is a daily choice to think upwards. When we think it, we believe it; when we believe it, it becomes part of who we are. Why not allow upwards thoughts to be part of who we are.